As a dog owner, you likely understand that each day with your pup is typically filled with joy and unexpected moments of humor.
Our pets, much like children, have distinct personalities, preferences, and aversions.
While dogs can have their share of fears, this particular dog mom was surprised to see her little one be terrified by something so small – a fly.
Confronting Fears
On April 2nd, a viral video from dog owner Lottie-Lou showcased a comical moment where her black Cockapoo puppy was shaking in her arms due to his fear of a fly.
The fly buzzed its way into the house, and the moment the puppy noticed it, he began shaking with fear.
While holding her pup close, the owner attempts to comfort him, assuring him that all is well.
Seeing a pet frightened by something as trivial as a fly can be tough, yet it’s hard not to find some humor in it. Even the owner chuckled at the situation.
Curious why a dog might fear a fly that is so much smaller than they are? Joe Nutkins, a dog trainer accredited by the Kennel Club, offers some insight.
She stated to Newsweek: “When dogs exhibit fear towards flies, it’s often because they’ve seen their owners react to them. Frequently, dogs observe their humans trying to get rid of a fly, and it’s this behavior that sparks their wariness.”
According to Beverly Hills Veterinary Associates, some dogs are frightened of flies and insects for similar reasons that humans are – they can be bothersome, erratic, and sometimes bite.
A dog might not even notice a fly initially, but when they see their owner waving their arms or brandishing a fly swatter, it can trigger concern and fear.
A less confident dog may become anxious even at the sound of a fly.
How Can You Assist Your Pooch?
A TikTok user shared in the comments how the pup is managing in the summer heat. The owner replied: “He struggles a bit, but we take steps to lessen his anxiety. As soon as we spot one, we get rid of it! He’s such a good boy.”
Nutkins also recommended that owners strive to remain calm when dealing with insects. When they notice a bug, they can either remove it or relocate the pet.
Using distractions like treats or playtime can significantly help. Your dog needs to realize that flies and insects are simply nuisances and cannot harm them.
“It might take some time for a dog to feel secure enough to stay in the same room as a fly and engage in activities like play, so consider using distance and space,” Nutkins told Newsweek.
Numerous dog owners took to the comments to share that their dogs also exhibit fears of flies. One user noted: “My dog is exactly the same! He woke me up at 3 AM the other morning because there was one in my room 🙄😂.”
This fear appears to be more common than one might expect.
“My dog used to be scared of flies, and we figured out it was because they see you attempting to kill a fly or hear a sudden noise from it,” stated another user, echoing Nutkins’ earlier point.
With warmer days approaching, be prepared in case your furry friend shares the same fear as this adorable Cockapoo.
